Beautiful traditional dance and the wonderful sounds of Motown took center stage at Elmont Memorial High School’s second annual Black History Month celebration on March 14.
Under the direction of student Fabrice Tondreau and music department chairperson Anne-Marie Hudley-Simmons, students brought history to life through skits and dance that honored legends such as Celia Cruz, Marvin Gaye, Berry Gordy, Martin Luther King Jr. and more. Outstanding song performances from the senior mixed chorus highlighted the event, including a musical interlude honoring Etta James, delivered by student Sherese Arne, and the perfectly choreographed “My Girl” by students Akinwale Agesin, Serena Baker, Matthew Fabien, Shawn Springer and Fabrice Tondreau.
Student Aaron Smith delivered a powerful performance as Martin Luther King Jr., while Ayesha Charles, Jaylyn Forbes, Vash’ti Sexton, Shawn Springer, Fabrice Tondreau and Ekele Ukegbu sang the song “Family” from “Dreamgirls” impeccably.
Principal Kevin Dougherty commended the student committee on its poignant Black History Month collaboration.
“Ninety-eight percent of what you’ll see tonight is written, directed, choreographed and, of course, performed by our student committee,” Dougherty said prior to the performance. “It is a true testament to what happens when we empower our students to create and share their knowledge and talents with the world around them. Also, we want to recognize those super talented students who put the program together under the guidance of Mrs. Hudley-Simmons.”
